Nepal’s prime minister and UN chief discussed climate-related vulnerabilities, recovery needs and international support following the devastating Bhote Koshi River disaster.
Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah has met United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York, with discussions focusing on the recent Bhote Koshi River disaster, climate-related risks and support for affected communities.
Shah, who is in New York to participate in the High-Level Week of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, held talks with Guterres at the United Nations Headquarters at 6:30 PM local time, or 4:15 AM Nepali time on Friday, ahead of his address to the General Assembly, according to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat.
During the meeting, Shah thanked Guterres for his goodwill toward Nepal and congratulated him on his successful tenure. Referring to the significant loss of life and property caused by the disaster along the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa, Shah said the risk of a glacial lake outburst remains high.
Guterres expressed deep condolences over the loss of life and property caused by the Bhote Koshi disaster and said the United Nations stands in solidarity with Nepal on climate-related issues. He also praised the young Nepali delegation.
Recalling his visit to Nepal as a tourist in 1978, Guterres said he remained committed to continuing support for Nepal even after his retirement.
The meeting also covered the rehabilitation of communities living along the river and green reconstruction efforts. The two sides further discussed support for extending the deadline for Nepal’s graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.
